happy birthday, dad

(Sorry for the poor camera work ... maybe I had too much wine that night?)

September 1 is my father's birthday. He's 64 and he will tell you himself that he's already been around a whole lot longer than he thought he would.

My dad's one of those guys who doesn't pop into the front of the picture very often (although you'd never know it from this video).

He's fiercely loyal and excessively forgetful. He loves his family more than anyone I know. He's more proud of each one of us -- and our kids, or chickens, as he calls his grandchildren, -- than anyone should be.

He's never used a computer, so my mom will have to show him this post. My dad can tell a story that would make your hair curl ... doesn't matter if it's true or not. According to my dad, he's been smoking since he was 7, that's second grade. Not likely, but it's a good story to hear him tell it. (Probably easier to smoke with the hole left by the teeth you lost, eh?)

My dad is a hard worker and that's probably where we all get our insane work ethic from. If it's work, my dad has done it. If it's work, we'll adjust our schedules to be there.

I'm so happy that my dad gets to enjoy some retirement (aka time to actually DO the to do list), visit his grandchildren -- who think he's hilarious, and take some time to have some ice cream.

Happy Birthday, Dad.